An unprecedented event takes place tonight, as the Liberty women's lacrosse team begins its inaugural season by traveling up Route 460 to face off with fellow National Lacrosse Conference competitor, Longwood. The Lancers are the defending NLC Champions, defeating Detroit Mercy in the conference tournament last season, 19-8.

Longwood ended 2009 with an 11-6 record, going on a 4-0 tear in conference play and posting non-conference wins against Navy, Richmond and Mount St. Mary's. This season, Longwood is off to a 0-2 start, dropping its season opener to Cansius, 13-12 (Feb. 13), before falling to an unblemished Navy squad in Annapolis, Md., on Feb. 21, 17-10. The Lancers enter Tuesday night's contest averaging 11 goals per game, with a shooting percentage of 37.9 percent.

Inspired by the theme "Building Tradition," Liberty's first lacrosse squad is led by head coach Regan Denham, who enters the season with a 12-6 coaching record, which she garnered during her tenure at NCAA Division III competitor Springfield. The Lady Flames also feature a trio of on-field leaders, as sophomore midfielder Chloe McIntosh, sophomore attacker Kristin Crowley and senior attacker Karen Yates will suit up as Liberty's first team captains. Crowley, a native of Colorado Springs, Colo., joins Liberty's inaugural squad after playing one year at St. Bonaventure.

Protecting the net for the Lady Flames this season is senior goalie Rebekah Leutters. Hailing from Ballston Spa, N.Y., Leutters also has experience as an attacker during her years at Ballston Spa High School, earning Most Valuable Player honors in her senior season. She garnered 27 goals, 11 assists and 63 ground balls in her final prep season.

Flames fans can follow tonight's matchup between the Lady Flames and the Lancers via the live stat link above. Also, be sure to check back with LibertyFlames.com for a complete recap of the action following Liberty's first-ever lacrosse contest.